Queens (2021) s01e09 Episode Script
Bars
1
She wants you to know
how much she loves you,
'cause that's what moms do.
Everything I told you about what happened to me, happened to her.
Why didn't she come find me? Because she's been dead.
NAOMI: Don't you think we should make all of this official? I mean, just so we could have something written down somewhere that we're family.
Where do I sign? I've always wanted this.
DARREN: God's plan, Jill.
[GASPING.]
Oh, God.
He did it! He shot Bree! [FLATLINE.]
And I will lift you up until my final breath Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh It doesn't feel real.
It's not.
It's a nightmare.
It feels weird, right? Saying goodbye like this? It's closure.
My family [CRYING.]
Rest easy.
It's not been easy, but you've been here - What now? - I don't know.
Doesn't feel right to tour.
Not without Bree.
Darren starts his trial next week.
I hope he get the chair.
That's what he deserves.
So, what now? Figure it out, but But the Queens are dead.
Love every friend I've ever had I love you guys.
[SNIFFLES.]
Everybody take care of themselves.
Stay in touch.
If we had never met And I will lift you up until my final breath Queens forever.
Until my final breath Look, this wasn't your fault.
Talk soon.
Oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, oh Oh Oh [HUMMING "UNTIL MY FINAL BREATH".]
- Hey! - We have a house.
Bree would be so happy that it stayed in the family.
- Look at you lookin' so pretty.
- [CHUCKLES.]
ERIC: Food's almost ready.
- Mmm! - Smelling good.
This looks great.
You know your boy's gotta earn his keeps around the house.
What are we watching tonight? - Not "Bridgerton.
" - Not basketball.
Okay.
I'll pick.
- I'mma set the table.
- [CHUCKLES.]
This is nice.
It is.
So what are we? We talked about this.
We're roommates, okay? We're giving our daughter a stable home so we can co-parent.
Plus, you're broke after paying Jada and got evicted.
So you're still pretending like that kiss in the hospital never happened? What kiss? Okay.
Okay.
But you're wrong about one thing we're not roommates.
We're family.
- Good morning.
- Ooh.
The sun's about to go down.
Time, why you punish me? Hootie and the Blowfish? Hootie and the Blowfish? I had a late night studying for the bar.
Cacio e Pepe for dinner, Muff.
[GASPS.]
We're out of ice cream, yo.
Family.
Life can be so bitter and sweet It's more than just lyrics and beats It's more than just the money and the fame And what we did in the streets But despair could bring out that beast Playin' for keeps Rewind all the drama, live life to its fullest If I could, I'd rewind that bullet I could hear your voice still, I could feel your presence Even in the booth, that little Brianna essence Time's the only luxury I shoulda been protectin' 40 with no better half and no little blessings Gotta look in the mirror, stare at my own reflection Gotta live in your truth, Jill taught me that lesson Naomi taught me friendship, don't forsake it for money Brianna taught me family, never let it get ugly I feel like I had my guard up, broke the whole squad up And God only knows I shoulda been more modest It's only one crown I'm on my own now, gotta hold it down It's my turn, and the future is now Yeah, I'm the one, on my own, in control I ain't never lettin' go It's only one crown I'm on my own now, gotta hold it down It's my turn, and the future is now Yeah, I'm the one, on my own, in control I ain't never lettin' go Never lettin' go, lettin' go How'd that sound? Okay.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
You can drop my vocals down in the ad libs on the intro? We've been working together every day for three weeks on this record.
Do you talk, bro? Yes.
I'm a sound engineer, and talking too much to the talent is unprofessional.
I have one job.
That's to make you sound good.
And, frankly, my job's been incredibly boring, because making you sound good is really easy.
Thanks.
And since, you know, I'm already being wildly unprofessional, I might as well keep going.
Okay.
You eat? I know a place.
- Cut.
- [BELL RINGS.]
- Um, can we go again? - That was great.
The take before that was great.
And the four takes before that were great.
I need another.
We're already into lunch.
We've got a long day, and we've had a long night.
We got it.
You should go rest.
I want to go again.
Going again.
Can we get makeup in here for Jill? - Copy.
- Reset.
Not sleeping is eventually gonna show up on camera.
MAN: You want to raise that up a little higher? We're getting a shadow.
Ooh.
You could help.
Were you helping me when I was up 'til 4:00 a.
m.
- studying for the bar? - You do know we were the pretend Supreme Court in that video.
But the impact of the song and what happened to Bree made me want to do more with my life than rap.
- I am retired.
- Hmm.
I'm gonna pass the bar exam and be a public defender.
I'm gonna defend the public from the public.
Do you know how much they make? Uh, $3 million? I'm telling you, I am crushing my practice tests.
Lawyering is so much easier than rapping.
- [SIGHS.]
- What are you gonna do now? I don't know.
Music doesn't feel right to me.
I mean, nothing feels right with Bree gone.
Except being a good mom to Jojo.
Mm.
And playing house with Eric.
Take this cart, Muffin Esquire.
I'll take that.
Zadie? Naomi.
You work here? [SCOFFS.]
Don't look so disgusted.
No.
It's not like that.
I'm just surprised.
To see me earning honest money? I'm gonna be a public defender.
I'm just gonna take this cart.
The turkey jerky isn't gonna stock itself.
Um, who was that? Zadie.
Lady Z I mean, one of the coldest female emcees in hip-hop history.
We battled.
I mean, she was a real rival.
And now she works at Don's Grocers.
I guess we know who won.
[CHUCKLES.]
You do talk.
Told you.
- Another question.
- Go for it.
Did you poison your co-host on "The Shade"? That's a nasty rumor.
Let's just say I gave her the opportunity to show her true racist colors to the world.
You're a hero.
- Been saying that.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Let me see your hand.
Don't tell me you read palms or something.
- No.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I wanted an excuse to touch you, and you're really far away.
Hate to do this, Thomas, but I got to get my staff home.
I know a place.
It's such a tragedy what happened to Bree.
Things aren't the same.
I see Naomi some.
Jill won't answer my calls.
It feels wrong that we got back together after 20 years, and then it got taken from us by a lunatic.
I got close with Bree's kids.
They've been through so much.
You want kids? I didn't.
I do.
I didn't.
I don't, I don't.
- I don't know.
- [LAUGHS.]
D damn.
C can I ask some questions? - Have you been married? - No.
Haven't met anyone who checked all your boxes? I don't believe in boxes.
What do you believe in? That when I meet the right one, I'll know it.
You got boxes? Just someone I love who loves me back.
Simple.
Yo, bad news, man.
We're wrapping up for the night.
Feels like I just woke up I know a place.
Like all this time I've been asleep Even though it's not who I am I'm not afraid of who I used to be No one stays the same I know a place.
I feel so much younger now With the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you man and wife.
Hey, you may kiss the bride.
I feel so much younger now - [GUNSHOT, SCREAMS.]
- [METALLIC THUD.]
[GASPS.]
Ooh.
[SIGHS.]
- [SIGHS.]
- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Come in.
- Get any sleep? - Not really.
You have to sleep.
Yeah, I don't need anything else.
Thank you.
Where did that come from? Oh, I thought it would be something nice to spruce up your trailer.
Take it with you.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[SIGHS.]
You talk to Jill lately? Can't reach her.
I mean, I know she's working, but I'm worried about her.
- Sometimes it's hard to be here.
- I know.
I replay that night at the billboard over and over, and if I didn't charge Darren, that second shot doesn't go off We don't know what would've happened.
We got to move on the best way we know how.
I mean, this sucks, but we have to.
- You remember Lady Z? - Of course.
She came for you back in the day, then you ethered her out the business.
- I just ran into her.
- Bagging groceries at Ralph's? Don's, fam.
Oh, you're not kidding.
20 years later and she still manages to get under my skin.
Never understood why you hated her so much.
She was just mad annoying, arrogant.
She was good, too.
You sure that isn't it? If she was good, she'd still be relevant.
- What? - I mean, six months ago, you weren't relevant.
She did it to herself.
And I'm not the only one who had a problem with Lady Z.
I mean, she had the backings of Frank Black, and he was right there with Puff and Timbo as a producer.
- She messed that up.
- Assaulted him, I remember.
You can't be a sour, difficult bitch like Zadie.
And if you even suggest I was a difficult, sour I'm thinking of another perspective, another side of this.
I mean, what y'all did in your 40s is unheard of in hip-hop.
You know how hard it is.
I get it.
It's cool.
You don't like the chick, but I would think you might have a little empathy for her journey.
It's hard enough being a female M.
C.
, but a female M.
C.
with a rap sheet for assault? No wonder she up in Don's.
- - You're not that chick - - You're not that chick You're really not It's Cash Mermaid It's time for you to swim with the fish Now, really, really, I ain't thinkin' about Lil nuffin 'Cause she'll get dragged out while she still drug-in - Ew - Ha-ha! See what I did there? There's an empty throne chair, I think I'll sit here You can't check me, yeah, I'm Becky with the good hair I'm cute, and I rap too Move, you gonna have to 'cause I'm number one You just gon' have to adapt, two So relax, enjoy your little rehab I ain't tryna be Shady slim But mess with me, you might relapse - Muff, you gotta see this.
- Unh-unh.
Can it wait? I am bossing federal civil procedure.
This is an emergency.
It's Cash Mermaid Time for you to swim with the fish Bye-bye How 'bout that, Muffin? What you think of my crew? The Bakery [LAUGHS.]
Cash Mermaid's real name is Rebecca Stanislovsky.
- [LAUGHS.]
Not Becky.
- Mnh-mnh.
She DM'd me a few years back saying she was a fan, a wannabe rapper.
She was cool, humble.
I schooled her to the game.
Now this chick taking shots? - What you gonna do? - Defend the public.
No, you need to defend the public against this culturally appropriating clown.
I'm retired, Jo.
You lay with piggies, you're bound to end up bacon.
[SCOFFS.]
Okay.
Listen, I'm sorry.
We both took shots at each other back in the day.
We were the top two female lyricists in the game, and instead of celebrating one another, we fed into the beef.
[SIGHS.]
That's why you came here? And to ask if you wanted to record something together.
- [SCOFFS.]
- Look, I've been in a rut lately, and you're one of the only few people that could push me.
And maybe getting back in the booth could restart your career.
I bag groceries, I stock shelves, I help customers.
I was Employee of the Month three times.
I work hard.
I clock in, I clock out.
I have health insurance and everything else I need to live a normal, regular life.
The best part? They respect me.
I don't need your charity.
I damn sure don't need to help you get ya swagger back.
I was done with the music industry way before it was done with me.
You don't mean that.
Somebody as talented as you lives to make music.
You're like me, Zadie.
I'm not.
[CELLPHONE VIBRATING.]
Hey, V, what up? Big announcement? What do you think Valeria's announcement is? Triple D's? Y'all heard of Cash Mermaid? C-Merm? Cartoon rapper who's dominating Soundcloud? I almost signed her, but her mom brought under-seasoned potato salad to the meeting.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Couldn't do it.
- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
- What's up? Nothing.
Hello, everyone.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
No Jill? Who's this? Hi, I'm Thomas.
My husband.
Girl what is wrong with you? You just got conned by a woman pretending to be your mother, and now you marry a dude on your first date? - He's hot.
- That's not the point.
- It's not? - Kinda the point.
V.
It's crazy, I know.
But everything that happened with Bree reminds you that life is short.
That's no excuse to go and do something foolish.
Marriage is as outdated as Mississippi's general-election laws.
So, who cares? You went on a nice date.
You got married.
If you find out "Green Book" is his favorite movie, get a divorce.
I'll represent you.
- That mostly makes sense.
- I think this is real.
It feels real.
Thomas is unlike any guy I've ever dated, and most of the guys I dated are trash.
I know you're family to Valeria.
This is legit.
Crazy, for sure, but she's special.
I'll be good to her.
She is, um special.
Congratulations.
This is gonna sound weird coming from me, but I believe in the sanctity of marriage.
I've never been married because I only wanted to be married once.
I did it.
I'm gonna make it work.
I'm just doing it a little backwards.
You don't know anything about him.
I'll learn.
Does he know about your mom? Your family? What does that matter? That's marriage.
Total honesty, intimacy.
I'm ready.
I am ready to be open and honest with someone in a way I have never been before.
Mm! I'm proud of you.
Let's pop some champagne.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Let's do this.
Let's do it.
Yo, you sure you don't want to write something down? Off the top.
That's how I do it.
Get 'em.
Uh-huh Yeah, yeah Yo, I still have dreams of bein' on top But I'm from where the bottom is I'm really the mother of this, and I ain't even got a kid Yeah, I bag groceries, and I ain't really proud of it But I chose silence over violence And that was the consequence Ain't wanna get into it, that's why I got out of it I got a pile of talent, but the game is all politics I don't honor it, I'm positive 'bout what the problem is The music biz is ran by some narcissistic misogynists - Whoo! - And I'm the opposite, very low tolerance Been spurring girls since the '90s, Gregg Popovich If I'm all about my biz, then they say that I'm a bitch I would tell what you did, but I'm really not a snitch It's obvious who the queen and who the coward is It's no stopping this See my tone is really ominous Dominant, put you where the garbage is Hit you where ya wallet is, your pockets is And I ain't with the talkin', so 'Cause I don't give a damn what they say 'Cause I see you for who you are Taking your place upon the throne I need you to see it because I believe it 'Cause if they only knew All of the things that we've been through They don't want you to win But that can't stop you from winnin', nah, nah They can't mention female rap and don't mention me Overcharge for the Cold Crush and what they did to me Was livin' in infamy, I'm a woman of dignity Hold a torch for all my girls, Lady Liberty Now I'm a different Z Y'all don't exist to me Mentally, emotionally, and physically Only Goofy I'll ever watch is on Disney And I don't give a damn what they say, ain't even listening 'Cause I don't give a damn what they say 'Cause I see you for who you are Taking your place upon the throne I need you to see it because I believe it 'Cause if they only knew All of the things that we've been through They don't want you to win But that can't stop you from winnin', nah, nah They, they can't stop me Nah, nah They, they can't stop me Nah, nah They, they can't stop But they can't stop you from winnin' Nah, nah [LAUGHS.]
NAOMI: That's what's up.
- Oh, my, gosh.
- [SQUEALS.]
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Mm.
Yo.
We could polish that song tonight and drop it tomorrow.
- The world ain't ready.
- Mm, nah.
I'm not back.
I meant it when I said I'm done with the business.
Well, at least let me buy you a drink.
[CELLPHONE VIBRATING.]
[CELLPHONE CLICKS.]
Becky, why you dragging my name in these streets? That's why I'm calling, yo.
To apologize.
You know how it is.
I got people in my ear telling me what's best for me.
It's like eating roadkill instead of hunting.
You eat roadkill? My bad is what I'm saying.
Appreciate it.
I'm not thinking twice about it.
- We're good.
- All you wanna do is make it, but nobody tells you what to do when you get here.
You think I know this is insane, but would you sit down and advise me? I got you.
Cool.
Thank you.
- [CELLPHONE CLICKS.]
- THOMAS: Bora Bora? Mm, I shot a holiday movie there once where I adopted three Golden Retriever puppies who spoke French.
We're watching that tonight.
- Maldives could be amazing.
- Mm.
Ooh.
What about Machu Picchu? Sounds like walking and no bikinis.
Better idea.
No bikinis New York.
- New York? - It's perfect.
I can meet your family, and we'd be able to visit my folks in Jersey.
I know, a honeymoon in the tri-state area isn't exactly featured on Goop, but we can maybe fly to the Caribbean afterwards.
We don't have to call it a honeymoon.
It's just my folks are dying to meet you.
I'm sure yours are, too.
Mm.
Ah.
I realize I have no idea.
Are your parents still in New York? Yeah.
Queens.
What are they like? I can't imagine what Mom Valeria is like.
She's, I dunno, regular.
- You have a big family? - [SIGHS.]
- I have a big family, and we're really close.
- Mm.
I have literally a million cousins.
Mm-hmm.
Is something wrong? Nothing's wrong.
We're just doing too much talking and not enough kissing.
[SIGHS.]
Ohh! [WHIMPERS.]
[GASPS.]
DARREN: God's plan, Jill JILL: Oh, God, it was all my fault.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Oh.
Come in.
SAMIRA: They're still not ready for you yet.
Um, could be another hour.
You hungry? No.
When's the last time you talked to your friends? We're all doing our own thing.
You should call them, because whatever is going on, you shouldn't go through it alone.
Thanks.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
[SIGHS.]
[RINGING.]
[BREATHES DEEPLY.]
- [LINE CLICKS.]
- Hey.
- Today was fun.
- Mm-hmm.
I needed it.
But it's back to bagging groceries tomorrow.
That's what Bree thought after our BET show.
I'm sorry about what happened to her.
Me too.
We're all trying to figure out life with her not around.
- Hey, yo.
- Mm.
Lady Z.
Do you miss that the love? - That? For sure.
- [SQUEALS.]
I miss music.
That's why I came to record with you.
I respect hip-hop.
- It's the game that I can't stand.
- Girl.
I do not work with predators at Don's.
What are you talking about? Ah, forget it.
Too many drinks.
That part of my life is over.
Is it? Because there were a couple of lines in your verse that made me think you're still working through some stuff.
Nobody wanted to listen to me then, nobody wants to listen to me now.
No, I do.
I was driven out of the business because I assaulted Frank Black, right? Right.
That's not the whole story.
What's up? It's been a minute.
I like making money, but I can't say I'm happy to see you.
[SIGHS.]
I'm glad I never touched this stuff.
Look, I don't really feel like talking, so Word.
- You sure about this? - [SNIFFLES.]
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
So, you're saying that whole Frank Black story got flipped on Zadie? Known Frank for a minute.
He don't strike me as the kind of dude who would Sexually assault one of his artists then have them blackballed? - Is there a type? - I guess not.
I'm just saying.
Why are you pretending like this isn't something that happens all the time in the music industry? Why didn't she speak up? - Ooh, you really trying to p - That was dumb.
I'm sorry.
After all of these years, I never even questioned that story.
I even used it as a punch line.
In the 20 years since, how many women you think he's done this to? That asshole won two Grammys last year.
I mean, what are you gonna do? What can you do? Zadie's at peace with it all.
I'm not gonna do anything she doesn't want me to do, but it just [SIGHS.]
It angers me to know that a woman with Zadie's talent can be driven out of this business because of some dude.
The system is rigged.
I want to burn the whole thing down and just start over.
What does that look like? I don't know.
Listen, Zadie said that she's done with this business, but she's too good.
We need more Zadies.
You think you can make a few calls to see if we can get her a deal? I mean, the game owes her that.
I owe her that.
For sure.
Well, I guess one good thing did come of this.
What's that? Looks like you got your passion back.
- LIL MUFFIN: Hey.
- What's up, bitch? - Bitch? - Why'd you call me here, you broke-ass Kim K wannabe? - Call me - You want this? You wanna be me? I'm right here! I'm right here.
[LAUGHS.]
Damn! I'm caught up in a clout trap? [CHUCKLES.]
You're done.
It's a wrap.
You better bounce before you get hurt.
One day, you're gonna realize how stupid all of this is.
Oh, Lord, she the honorable Elijah Mohammed - all the sudden? - [LAUGHTER.]
- I'm not fighting you.
- Then battle me.
I put out a dis track two days ago, and you haven't responded.
I'm retired.
More like, "Really tired.
" Y'all are so sad.
How can I be sad when I'm sitting on crazy stacks? Yeah, walk away, bitch.
Bye! She eats roadkill, yo.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
You, ooh [CRYING.]
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh You, ooh Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh I used to trap all night just to cop off-white I used to think all whites Looked at me like I ain't right You should talk to me nice, if not, then it's on sight BRIANNA: We've been through too much.
We didn't know we needed each other then like we do now.
These ladies have lifted me up in one of the We're representing every woman out there that wakes up every day, puts her feet on the ground, and gets stuff done, so we ain't going nowhere, chick.
And I'mma pray again, shoulda asked for forgiveness I follow street codes and my grandma's religion I guess that's why I'm torn Between cursed and being gifted [SIREN WAILS.]
It costs me nothing to pay attention But I'm still making decisions [POLICE RADIO CHATTER.]
Everything okay, Officer? License and registration.
Did I do something wrong? Registration sticker expired.
Oh.
Yep.
Expired.
Sorry.
I've been incredibly busy.
It must have slipped my mind.
Listen, I have to cite you for this, but it's just a fix-it ticket.
You've got 30 days to update your registration.
Thank you, Officer.
This didn't happen to fly out of your window, did it? How long do you think you can go without telling Thomas the truth? This man is all about family.
Every third word out of his mouth is "family.
" Who wants to hear that the woman they married is an orphan who just got conned by a woman pretending to be her mother? See, that's what I was saying before.
You're married.
You can't keep secrets.
Especially ones that, for better or worse, define who you are.
It's just insanely embarrassing, and it still hurts to talk about.
- How easy is it to get an annulment? - I don't know.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
This C-Mermaid sitch got me twisted.
Anyway Look, yesterday you were talking about the sanctity of marriage.
Now you're ready to get a divorce because you don't want to tell this man the truth.
He's my husband, but he's also a stranger.
I need time.
Time isn't your problem.
- Muff, did you see this? - CASH MERMAID: Then battle me.
I put out a dis track two days ago, and you haven't responded.
- I'm retired.
- TARIK: More like, "Really tired.
" - She's trying to pull me back in.
- Yeah, bye, bitch.
Walk away.
Nope.
Can't do it.
I have to focus on me, my growth, my maturity Of course she ran away.
Lil Muffin is weak and washed.
- Ain't that right, my n - [GASPS.]
- ERIC: Hey.
- Unh-unh.
Hip-hop is dead.
Some white-bread girl from Kansas Raised on under-seasoned potato salad - Gets to say the - Hell no! She wanted it, she got it.
Are you familiar with infringement Mimicking, unlawfully, to copy with intention? I'll take you to a court To make a note of your pretending But if I get disorderly They'll hold me in contempt then See the fact, Becky, I worry you don't get me 'Cause your appropriation is heavy but not threatening It's my freedom of speech, and I see that you weak You not eating these beats, so stop, leave it to me Ha! You a scared little girl like I was once But I ain't let the fear of the world hit my loved ones You went from a fan to a rival Judas in a land of disciples, with a hand on the Bible No shade, I just wouldn't wanna be ya C-Mermaid, I get sick when I see ya Seasick, youse a wannabe chick Heavy is my crown, and I doubt you'll ever reach it No shade, I just wouldn't wanna be ya C-Mermaid, I get sick when I see ya Seasick, youse a wannabe chick Heavy is my crown, and I doubt you'll ever reach it - Yeah! - [CHUCKLES.]
- Come on, now.
- Wow! Yes.
Esquire.
[CHUCKLING.]
Yes! Mix that, send it.
I just ended that mermaid's career.
Are you back? I want to defend the public.
- [CELLPHONE VIBRATES .]
- I think you just did.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- [CELLPHONE CLICKS.]
Hello, Jill? Yeah, I'm with everybody.
I'm gonna put you on speaker.
Okay.
Finally, girl.
What the hell is up with you? JILL: I need you guys.
I'm in jail.
[POLICE RADIO CHATTER.]
[HELICOPTER FLIES OVERHEAD.]
[SIGHS.]
[OTIS REDDING'S "I'VE GO DREAMS TO REMEMBER" PLAYS.]
I've got dreams Dreams to remember - I've got dreams - It's okay.
Dreams to remember Let's go home.
I dove into acting.
I just wanted to forget about Darren and what he did to Brianna, but I couldn't shake the guilt.
Darren is a psycho.
Facts.
That's not on you.
I hurt a lot of people.
Look, I know it's hard, but you have to let it go.
You only have one thing to be guilty about not calling us.
Jill, everything good that happened to me this year is because we found each other again.
We don't have to do life alone anymore, I mean, even if we're not a group.
I have to ask.
Do you need help? I bought the drugs, but I didn't do any.
I threw them out the window.
Valeria is married.
- To what? - A man.
This sounds wrong.
Married him on their first date, and now she's thinking about divorcing him because she doesn't want to tell him about her family.
- That sounds right.
- If I'm the one who leaves, then it's not another person - Who's walking out on you.
- Mm.
Look, I'm someone who was willing to destroy herself to keep secrets.
But the consequences in the end are always worse than facing the fear in the moment.
Look, it is so incredibly stupid to marry someone on your first date like, dumb.
But don't let your past be the reason to give up on something good.
I miss Bree.
Me too.
So much.
She always held us up even though she was going through so much.
It's on us now.
We are super messy.
But we have each other.
Guess who's not going to jail.
Jill! Jill isn't going to jail! [SQUEALS.]
The charges were dropped.
How? Well, I called the D.
A.
's office and eloquently explained that they don't have a case.
There is absolutely no way to prove that the cocaine was from Jill's car, nor is there any way for them to prove where it originated from.
And if they want to go down the legal road of pursuing a simple possession case, it will cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars to prove a misdemeanor against a Catholic celebrity who just heroically survived an attempted murder by her ex-husband.
- Wow! - Wow! - Oh, my gosh.
- You better work, Muffin! And when they hung up on me, I called the mayor.
I performed at his daughter's sweet 16.
Classic good news, bad news made some calls Zadie's name is still trash around town.
No one's interested.
Good news? The world is back in on Muffin.
[CHUCKLES.]
You're serious? Yeah, rounded it down to the best offers Interscope and Def Jam.
And they're cool with the new, conscious Muffin? I mean, they feelin' it.
Of course they gonna say that now.
But what happens if her first album doesn't sell? A bunch of dudes in polos drop her.
That's the damn problem I have with this business no one is in it for the long haul.
No one is invested in building real artists and supporting talent.
No one's looking out for women in hip-hop.
I mean, where's that label? I mean, can you imagine if we came back to the game attached to a major? We'd still be the Nasty Bitches.
Yo.
There's not a label that's for artists, run by women, supporting other women that isn't out just for the money.
There should be.
The hell is Nasty Girl Records? Our new venture.
And we want to sign you as our first artist.
So you think you can just snap your fingers - and create a record label? - JILL: That's pretty much how every record label in history was started.
Yeah, and we not just a label.
We can be a full-service outfit.
I mean, we have our own space, our own studio Management and publishing.
VALERIA: And we're gonna do it differently.
We want to give the artists the power.
We want to help other queens do what we did for ourselves - find their voices, get back on top.
- Mm-hmm.
Our artists are our partners, financially and creatively.
We about to punch the music business in they face.
ZADIE: Dope pitch.
But how are you gonna make money with just me? LIL MUFFIN: I'm in it, too.
I can defend the public with my bars.
Oh, damn.
Bar exam? - Doze barz.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Hey.
- And me.
- Me too.
Yes.
We're all gonna release our solo music on Nasty Girl Records.
I mean, come on, Zadie.
Aren't you ready to take back what they stole from you? [RADIOHEAD'S "HIGH & DRY" PLAYS.]
- Yeah.
- Yes! [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
You 'bout to go all the way up.
- Hey! - [LAUGHTER.]
- [CORK POPS.]
- Whoo! Aim that glass toward me.
Pour me some.
- Cheers! - [GLASSES CLINK.]
To a fresh start.
[SIGHS.]
Two jumps in a week I bet you think that's pretty clever, don't you, boy? To Nasty Girl Records Flying on your motorcycle Watching all the ground beneath you drop You'd kill yourself for recognition Kill yourself to never, ever stop To being honest with ourselves and the people we love.
something you are not VALERIA: This is my mother.
- - I I didn't know her.
She abandoned me when I was an infant.
By the time I found out who she was, she was here.
I lie sometimes.
Sometimes I'm a liar.
I don't have any family.
You do.
Y'all are inspiring to watch.
You don't stay down.
Ever.
You know there's one more person we gotta call.
Mm.
All your insides fall to pieces [RINGING.]
Poom nani, poom nani, poom nani, poom nani Poom, poom, nani, nani, my nani dripped in gold Zoom, zoom in Ferraris, fly me around the globe, huh Nasty by nature, treacherous in them hills It's P.
Sex, I make 'em pay a couple of bills It's a stick-up, stick up On the pole, watch this bad gal Lift up, lift up, and drop, drop it like it's hot Give it to you good, make you rise to the top, huh Sassy, intelligent, knock 'em out the box - Can we go to the beach? - I want to go to the park.
- Let's do both.
- Yes! [CHUCKLES.]
So pretty, baby body full of curves If he can't handle the speed, I kick him to the curb Now you know you wanna be with a nasty girl Know you wanna spend time in my nasty world Gimme what I need, and I'll be your nasty girl Your nasty girl, your nasty girl Gimme what I need, and I'll be your nasty girl
Everything I told you about what happened to me, happened to her.
Why didn't she come find me? Because she's been dead.
NAOMI: Don't you think we should make all of this official? I mean, just so we could have something written down somewhere that we're family.
Where do I sign? I've always wanted this.
DARREN: God's plan, Jill.
[GASPING.]
Oh, God.
He did it! He shot Bree! [FLATLINE.]
And I will lift you up until my final breath Oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh It doesn't feel real.
It's not.
It's a nightmare.
It feels weird, right? Saying goodbye like this? It's closure.
My family [CRYING.]
Rest easy.
It's not been easy, but you've been here - What now? - I don't know.
Doesn't feel right to tour.
Not without Bree.
Darren starts his trial next week.
I hope he get the chair.
That's what he deserves.
So, what now? Figure it out, but But the Queens are dead.
Love every friend I've ever had I love you guys.
[SNIFFLES.]
Everybody take care of themselves.
Stay in touch.
If we had never met And I will lift you up until my final breath Queens forever.
Until my final breath Look, this wasn't your fault.
Talk soon.
Oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, oh Oh Oh [HUMMING "UNTIL MY FINAL BREATH".]
- Hey! - We have a house.
Bree would be so happy that it stayed in the family.
- Look at you lookin' so pretty.
- [CHUCKLES.]
ERIC: Food's almost ready.
- Mmm! - Smelling good.
This looks great.
You know your boy's gotta earn his keeps around the house.
What are we watching tonight? - Not "Bridgerton.
" - Not basketball.
Okay.
I'll pick.
- I'mma set the table.
- [CHUCKLES.]
This is nice.
It is.
So what are we? We talked about this.
We're roommates, okay? We're giving our daughter a stable home so we can co-parent.
Plus, you're broke after paying Jada and got evicted.
So you're still pretending like that kiss in the hospital never happened? What kiss? Okay.
Okay.
But you're wrong about one thing we're not roommates.
We're family.
- Good morning.
- Ooh.
The sun's about to go down.
Time, why you punish me? Hootie and the Blowfish? Hootie and the Blowfish? I had a late night studying for the bar.
Cacio e Pepe for dinner, Muff.
[GASPS.]
We're out of ice cream, yo.
Family.
Life can be so bitter and sweet It's more than just lyrics and beats It's more than just the money and the fame And what we did in the streets But despair could bring out that beast Playin' for keeps Rewind all the drama, live life to its fullest If I could, I'd rewind that bullet I could hear your voice still, I could feel your presence Even in the booth, that little Brianna essence Time's the only luxury I shoulda been protectin' 40 with no better half and no little blessings Gotta look in the mirror, stare at my own reflection Gotta live in your truth, Jill taught me that lesson Naomi taught me friendship, don't forsake it for money Brianna taught me family, never let it get ugly I feel like I had my guard up, broke the whole squad up And God only knows I shoulda been more modest It's only one crown I'm on my own now, gotta hold it down It's my turn, and the future is now Yeah, I'm the one, on my own, in control I ain't never lettin' go It's only one crown I'm on my own now, gotta hold it down It's my turn, and the future is now Yeah, I'm the one, on my own, in control I ain't never lettin' go Never lettin' go, lettin' go How'd that sound? Okay.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
You can drop my vocals down in the ad libs on the intro? We've been working together every day for three weeks on this record.
Do you talk, bro? Yes.
I'm a sound engineer, and talking too much to the talent is unprofessional.
I have one job.
That's to make you sound good.
And, frankly, my job's been incredibly boring, because making you sound good is really easy.
Thanks.
And since, you know, I'm already being wildly unprofessional, I might as well keep going.
Okay.
You eat? I know a place.
- Cut.
- [BELL RINGS.]
- Um, can we go again? - That was great.
The take before that was great.
And the four takes before that were great.
I need another.
We're already into lunch.
We've got a long day, and we've had a long night.
We got it.
You should go rest.
I want to go again.
Going again.
Can we get makeup in here for Jill? - Copy.
- Reset.
Not sleeping is eventually gonna show up on camera.
MAN: You want to raise that up a little higher? We're getting a shadow.
Ooh.
You could help.
Were you helping me when I was up 'til 4:00 a.
m.
- studying for the bar? - You do know we were the pretend Supreme Court in that video.
But the impact of the song and what happened to Bree made me want to do more with my life than rap.
- I am retired.
- Hmm.
I'm gonna pass the bar exam and be a public defender.
I'm gonna defend the public from the public.
Do you know how much they make? Uh, $3 million? I'm telling you, I am crushing my practice tests.
Lawyering is so much easier than rapping.
- [SIGHS.]
- What are you gonna do now? I don't know.
Music doesn't feel right to me.
I mean, nothing feels right with Bree gone.
Except being a good mom to Jojo.
Mm.
And playing house with Eric.
Take this cart, Muffin Esquire.
I'll take that.
Zadie? Naomi.
You work here? [SCOFFS.]
Don't look so disgusted.
No.
It's not like that.
I'm just surprised.
To see me earning honest money? I'm gonna be a public defender.
I'm just gonna take this cart.
The turkey jerky isn't gonna stock itself.
Um, who was that? Zadie.
Lady Z I mean, one of the coldest female emcees in hip-hop history.
We battled.
I mean, she was a real rival.
And now she works at Don's Grocers.
I guess we know who won.
[CHUCKLES.]
You do talk.
Told you.
- Another question.
- Go for it.
Did you poison your co-host on "The Shade"? That's a nasty rumor.
Let's just say I gave her the opportunity to show her true racist colors to the world.
You're a hero.
- Been saying that.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Let me see your hand.
Don't tell me you read palms or something.
- No.
- [CHUCKLES.]
I wanted an excuse to touch you, and you're really far away.
Hate to do this, Thomas, but I got to get my staff home.
I know a place.
It's such a tragedy what happened to Bree.
Things aren't the same.
I see Naomi some.
Jill won't answer my calls.
It feels wrong that we got back together after 20 years, and then it got taken from us by a lunatic.
I got close with Bree's kids.
They've been through so much.
You want kids? I didn't.
I do.
I didn't.
I don't, I don't.
- I don't know.
- [LAUGHS.]
D damn.
C can I ask some questions? - Have you been married? - No.
Haven't met anyone who checked all your boxes? I don't believe in boxes.
What do you believe in? That when I meet the right one, I'll know it.
You got boxes? Just someone I love who loves me back.
Simple.
Yo, bad news, man.
We're wrapping up for the night.
Feels like I just woke up I know a place.
Like all this time I've been asleep Even though it's not who I am I'm not afraid of who I used to be No one stays the same I know a place.
I feel so much younger now With the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you man and wife.
Hey, you may kiss the bride.
I feel so much younger now - [GUNSHOT, SCREAMS.]
- [METALLIC THUD.]
[GASPS.]
Ooh.
[SIGHS.]
- [SIGHS.]
- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Come in.
- Get any sleep? - Not really.
You have to sleep.
Yeah, I don't need anything else.
Thank you.
Where did that come from? Oh, I thought it would be something nice to spruce up your trailer.
Take it with you.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[SIGHS.]
You talk to Jill lately? Can't reach her.
I mean, I know she's working, but I'm worried about her.
- Sometimes it's hard to be here.
- I know.
I replay that night at the billboard over and over, and if I didn't charge Darren, that second shot doesn't go off We don't know what would've happened.
We got to move on the best way we know how.
I mean, this sucks, but we have to.
- You remember Lady Z? - Of course.
She came for you back in the day, then you ethered her out the business.
- I just ran into her.
- Bagging groceries at Ralph's? Don's, fam.
Oh, you're not kidding.
20 years later and she still manages to get under my skin.
Never understood why you hated her so much.
She was just mad annoying, arrogant.
She was good, too.
You sure that isn't it? If she was good, she'd still be relevant.
- What? - I mean, six months ago, you weren't relevant.
She did it to herself.
And I'm not the only one who had a problem with Lady Z.
I mean, she had the backings of Frank Black, and he was right there with Puff and Timbo as a producer.
- She messed that up.
- Assaulted him, I remember.
You can't be a sour, difficult bitch like Zadie.
And if you even suggest I was a difficult, sour I'm thinking of another perspective, another side of this.
I mean, what y'all did in your 40s is unheard of in hip-hop.
You know how hard it is.
I get it.
It's cool.
You don't like the chick, but I would think you might have a little empathy for her journey.
It's hard enough being a female M.
C.
, but a female M.
C.
with a rap sheet for assault? No wonder she up in Don's.
- - You're not that chick - - You're not that chick You're really not It's Cash Mermaid It's time for you to swim with the fish Now, really, really, I ain't thinkin' about Lil nuffin 'Cause she'll get dragged out while she still drug-in - Ew - Ha-ha! See what I did there? There's an empty throne chair, I think I'll sit here You can't check me, yeah, I'm Becky with the good hair I'm cute, and I rap too Move, you gonna have to 'cause I'm number one You just gon' have to adapt, two So relax, enjoy your little rehab I ain't tryna be Shady slim But mess with me, you might relapse - Muff, you gotta see this.
- Unh-unh.
Can it wait? I am bossing federal civil procedure.
This is an emergency.
It's Cash Mermaid Time for you to swim with the fish Bye-bye How 'bout that, Muffin? What you think of my crew? The Bakery [LAUGHS.]
Cash Mermaid's real name is Rebecca Stanislovsky.
- [LAUGHS.]
Not Becky.
- Mnh-mnh.
She DM'd me a few years back saying she was a fan, a wannabe rapper.
She was cool, humble.
I schooled her to the game.
Now this chick taking shots? - What you gonna do? - Defend the public.
No, you need to defend the public against this culturally appropriating clown.
I'm retired, Jo.
You lay with piggies, you're bound to end up bacon.
[SCOFFS.]
Okay.
Listen, I'm sorry.
We both took shots at each other back in the day.
We were the top two female lyricists in the game, and instead of celebrating one another, we fed into the beef.
[SIGHS.]
That's why you came here? And to ask if you wanted to record something together.
- [SCOFFS.]
- Look, I've been in a rut lately, and you're one of the only few people that could push me.
And maybe getting back in the booth could restart your career.
I bag groceries, I stock shelves, I help customers.
I was Employee of the Month three times.
I work hard.
I clock in, I clock out.
I have health insurance and everything else I need to live a normal, regular life.
The best part? They respect me.
I don't need your charity.
I damn sure don't need to help you get ya swagger back.
I was done with the music industry way before it was done with me.
You don't mean that.
Somebody as talented as you lives to make music.
You're like me, Zadie.
I'm not.
[CELLPHONE VIBRATING.]
Hey, V, what up? Big announcement? What do you think Valeria's announcement is? Triple D's? Y'all heard of Cash Mermaid? C-Merm? Cartoon rapper who's dominating Soundcloud? I almost signed her, but her mom brought under-seasoned potato salad to the meeting.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Couldn't do it.
- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
- What's up? Nothing.
Hello, everyone.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
No Jill? Who's this? Hi, I'm Thomas.
My husband.
Girl what is wrong with you? You just got conned by a woman pretending to be your mother, and now you marry a dude on your first date? - He's hot.
- That's not the point.
- It's not? - Kinda the point.
V.
It's crazy, I know.
But everything that happened with Bree reminds you that life is short.
That's no excuse to go and do something foolish.
Marriage is as outdated as Mississippi's general-election laws.
So, who cares? You went on a nice date.
You got married.
If you find out "Green Book" is his favorite movie, get a divorce.
I'll represent you.
- That mostly makes sense.
- I think this is real.
It feels real.
Thomas is unlike any guy I've ever dated, and most of the guys I dated are trash.
I know you're family to Valeria.
This is legit.
Crazy, for sure, but she's special.
I'll be good to her.
She is, um special.
Congratulations.
This is gonna sound weird coming from me, but I believe in the sanctity of marriage.
I've never been married because I only wanted to be married once.
I did it.
I'm gonna make it work.
I'm just doing it a little backwards.
You don't know anything about him.
I'll learn.
Does he know about your mom? Your family? What does that matter? That's marriage.
Total honesty, intimacy.
I'm ready.
I am ready to be open and honest with someone in a way I have never been before.
Mm! I'm proud of you.
Let's pop some champagne.
[DOOR OPENS.]
Let's do this.
Let's do it.
Yo, you sure you don't want to write something down? Off the top.
That's how I do it.
Get 'em.
Uh-huh Yeah, yeah Yo, I still have dreams of bein' on top But I'm from where the bottom is I'm really the mother of this, and I ain't even got a kid Yeah, I bag groceries, and I ain't really proud of it But I chose silence over violence And that was the consequence Ain't wanna get into it, that's why I got out of it I got a pile of talent, but the game is all politics I don't honor it, I'm positive 'bout what the problem is The music biz is ran by some narcissistic misogynists - Whoo! - And I'm the opposite, very low tolerance Been spurring girls since the '90s, Gregg Popovich If I'm all about my biz, then they say that I'm a bitch I would tell what you did, but I'm really not a snitch It's obvious who the queen and who the coward is It's no stopping this See my tone is really ominous Dominant, put you where the garbage is Hit you where ya wallet is, your pockets is And I ain't with the talkin', so 'Cause I don't give a damn what they say 'Cause I see you for who you are Taking your place upon the throne I need you to see it because I believe it 'Cause if they only knew All of the things that we've been through They don't want you to win But that can't stop you from winnin', nah, nah They can't mention female rap and don't mention me Overcharge for the Cold Crush and what they did to me Was livin' in infamy, I'm a woman of dignity Hold a torch for all my girls, Lady Liberty Now I'm a different Z Y'all don't exist to me Mentally, emotionally, and physically Only Goofy I'll ever watch is on Disney And I don't give a damn what they say, ain't even listening 'Cause I don't give a damn what they say 'Cause I see you for who you are Taking your place upon the throne I need you to see it because I believe it 'Cause if they only knew All of the things that we've been through They don't want you to win But that can't stop you from winnin', nah, nah They, they can't stop me Nah, nah They, they can't stop me Nah, nah They, they can't stop But they can't stop you from winnin' Nah, nah [LAUGHS.]
NAOMI: That's what's up.
- Oh, my, gosh.
- [SQUEALS.]
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Mm.
Yo.
We could polish that song tonight and drop it tomorrow.
- The world ain't ready.
- Mm, nah.
I'm not back.
I meant it when I said I'm done with the business.
Well, at least let me buy you a drink.
[CELLPHONE VIBRATING.]
[CELLPHONE CLICKS.]
Becky, why you dragging my name in these streets? That's why I'm calling, yo.
To apologize.
You know how it is.
I got people in my ear telling me what's best for me.
It's like eating roadkill instead of hunting.
You eat roadkill? My bad is what I'm saying.
Appreciate it.
I'm not thinking twice about it.
- We're good.
- All you wanna do is make it, but nobody tells you what to do when you get here.
You think I know this is insane, but would you sit down and advise me? I got you.
Cool.
Thank you.
- [CELLPHONE CLICKS.]
- THOMAS: Bora Bora? Mm, I shot a holiday movie there once where I adopted three Golden Retriever puppies who spoke French.
We're watching that tonight.
- Maldives could be amazing.
- Mm.
Ooh.
What about Machu Picchu? Sounds like walking and no bikinis.
Better idea.
No bikinis New York.
- New York? - It's perfect.
I can meet your family, and we'd be able to visit my folks in Jersey.
I know, a honeymoon in the tri-state area isn't exactly featured on Goop, but we can maybe fly to the Caribbean afterwards.
We don't have to call it a honeymoon.
It's just my folks are dying to meet you.
I'm sure yours are, too.
Mm.
Ah.
I realize I have no idea.
Are your parents still in New York? Yeah.
Queens.
What are they like? I can't imagine what Mom Valeria is like.
She's, I dunno, regular.
- You have a big family? - [SIGHS.]
- I have a big family, and we're really close.
- Mm.
I have literally a million cousins.
Mm-hmm.
Is something wrong? Nothing's wrong.
We're just doing too much talking and not enough kissing.
[SIGHS.]
Ohh! [WHIMPERS.]
[GASPS.]
DARREN: God's plan, Jill JILL: Oh, God, it was all my fault.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Oh.
Come in.
SAMIRA: They're still not ready for you yet.
Um, could be another hour.
You hungry? No.
When's the last time you talked to your friends? We're all doing our own thing.
You should call them, because whatever is going on, you shouldn't go through it alone.
Thanks.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
[SIGHS.]
[RINGING.]
[BREATHES DEEPLY.]
- [LINE CLICKS.]
- Hey.
- Today was fun.
- Mm-hmm.
I needed it.
But it's back to bagging groceries tomorrow.
That's what Bree thought after our BET show.
I'm sorry about what happened to her.
Me too.
We're all trying to figure out life with her not around.
- Hey, yo.
- Mm.
Lady Z.
Do you miss that the love? - That? For sure.
- [SQUEALS.]
I miss music.
That's why I came to record with you.
I respect hip-hop.
- It's the game that I can't stand.
- Girl.
I do not work with predators at Don's.
What are you talking about? Ah, forget it.
Too many drinks.
That part of my life is over.
Is it? Because there were a couple of lines in your verse that made me think you're still working through some stuff.
Nobody wanted to listen to me then, nobody wants to listen to me now.
No, I do.
I was driven out of the business because I assaulted Frank Black, right? Right.
That's not the whole story.
What's up? It's been a minute.
I like making money, but I can't say I'm happy to see you.
[SIGHS.]
I'm glad I never touched this stuff.
Look, I don't really feel like talking, so Word.
- You sure about this? - [SNIFFLES.]
[EXHALES SHARPLY.]
So, you're saying that whole Frank Black story got flipped on Zadie? Known Frank for a minute.
He don't strike me as the kind of dude who would Sexually assault one of his artists then have them blackballed? - Is there a type? - I guess not.
I'm just saying.
Why are you pretending like this isn't something that happens all the time in the music industry? Why didn't she speak up? - Ooh, you really trying to p - That was dumb.
I'm sorry.
After all of these years, I never even questioned that story.
I even used it as a punch line.
In the 20 years since, how many women you think he's done this to? That asshole won two Grammys last year.
I mean, what are you gonna do? What can you do? Zadie's at peace with it all.
I'm not gonna do anything she doesn't want me to do, but it just [SIGHS.]
It angers me to know that a woman with Zadie's talent can be driven out of this business because of some dude.
The system is rigged.
I want to burn the whole thing down and just start over.
What does that look like? I don't know.
Listen, Zadie said that she's done with this business, but she's too good.
We need more Zadies.
You think you can make a few calls to see if we can get her a deal? I mean, the game owes her that.
I owe her that.
For sure.
Well, I guess one good thing did come of this.
What's that? Looks like you got your passion back.
- LIL MUFFIN: Hey.
- What's up, bitch? - Bitch? - Why'd you call me here, you broke-ass Kim K wannabe? - Call me - You want this? You wanna be me? I'm right here! I'm right here.
[LAUGHS.]
Damn! I'm caught up in a clout trap? [CHUCKLES.]
You're done.
It's a wrap.
You better bounce before you get hurt.
One day, you're gonna realize how stupid all of this is.
Oh, Lord, she the honorable Elijah Mohammed - all the sudden? - [LAUGHTER.]
- I'm not fighting you.
- Then battle me.
I put out a dis track two days ago, and you haven't responded.
I'm retired.
More like, "Really tired.
" Y'all are so sad.
How can I be sad when I'm sitting on crazy stacks? Yeah, walk away, bitch.
Bye! She eats roadkill, yo.
[BOTH LAUGH.]
You, ooh [CRYING.]
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh You, ooh Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh I used to trap all night just to cop off-white I used to think all whites Looked at me like I ain't right You should talk to me nice, if not, then it's on sight BRIANNA: We've been through too much.
We didn't know we needed each other then like we do now.
These ladies have lifted me up in one of the We're representing every woman out there that wakes up every day, puts her feet on the ground, and gets stuff done, so we ain't going nowhere, chick.
And I'mma pray again, shoulda asked for forgiveness I follow street codes and my grandma's religion I guess that's why I'm torn Between cursed and being gifted [SIREN WAILS.]
It costs me nothing to pay attention But I'm still making decisions [POLICE RADIO CHATTER.]
Everything okay, Officer? License and registration.
Did I do something wrong? Registration sticker expired.
Oh.
Yep.
Expired.
Sorry.
I've been incredibly busy.
It must have slipped my mind.
Listen, I have to cite you for this, but it's just a fix-it ticket.
You've got 30 days to update your registration.
Thank you, Officer.
This didn't happen to fly out of your window, did it? How long do you think you can go without telling Thomas the truth? This man is all about family.
Every third word out of his mouth is "family.
" Who wants to hear that the woman they married is an orphan who just got conned by a woman pretending to be her mother? See, that's what I was saying before.
You're married.
You can't keep secrets.
Especially ones that, for better or worse, define who you are.
It's just insanely embarrassing, and it still hurts to talk about.
- How easy is it to get an annulment? - I don't know.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
This C-Mermaid sitch got me twisted.
Anyway Look, yesterday you were talking about the sanctity of marriage.
Now you're ready to get a divorce because you don't want to tell this man the truth.
He's my husband, but he's also a stranger.
I need time.
Time isn't your problem.
- Muff, did you see this? - CASH MERMAID: Then battle me.
I put out a dis track two days ago, and you haven't responded.
- I'm retired.
- TARIK: More like, "Really tired.
" - She's trying to pull me back in.
- Yeah, bye, bitch.
Walk away.
Nope.
Can't do it.
I have to focus on me, my growth, my maturity Of course she ran away.
Lil Muffin is weak and washed.
- Ain't that right, my n - [GASPS.]
- ERIC: Hey.
- Unh-unh.
Hip-hop is dead.
Some white-bread girl from Kansas Raised on under-seasoned potato salad - Gets to say the - Hell no! She wanted it, she got it.
Are you familiar with infringement Mimicking, unlawfully, to copy with intention? I'll take you to a court To make a note of your pretending But if I get disorderly They'll hold me in contempt then See the fact, Becky, I worry you don't get me 'Cause your appropriation is heavy but not threatening It's my freedom of speech, and I see that you weak You not eating these beats, so stop, leave it to me Ha! You a scared little girl like I was once But I ain't let the fear of the world hit my loved ones You went from a fan to a rival Judas in a land of disciples, with a hand on the Bible No shade, I just wouldn't wanna be ya C-Mermaid, I get sick when I see ya Seasick, youse a wannabe chick Heavy is my crown, and I doubt you'll ever reach it No shade, I just wouldn't wanna be ya C-Mermaid, I get sick when I see ya Seasick, youse a wannabe chick Heavy is my crown, and I doubt you'll ever reach it - Yeah! - [CHUCKLES.]
- Come on, now.
- Wow! Yes.
Esquire.
[CHUCKLING.]
Yes! Mix that, send it.
I just ended that mermaid's career.
Are you back? I want to defend the public.
- [CELLPHONE VIBRATES .]
- I think you just did.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- [CELLPHONE CLICKS.]
Hello, Jill? Yeah, I'm with everybody.
I'm gonna put you on speaker.
Okay.
Finally, girl.
What the hell is up with you? JILL: I need you guys.
I'm in jail.
[POLICE RADIO CHATTER.]
[HELICOPTER FLIES OVERHEAD.]
[SIGHS.]
[OTIS REDDING'S "I'VE GO DREAMS TO REMEMBER" PLAYS.]
I've got dreams Dreams to remember - I've got dreams - It's okay.
Dreams to remember Let's go home.
I dove into acting.
I just wanted to forget about Darren and what he did to Brianna, but I couldn't shake the guilt.
Darren is a psycho.
Facts.
That's not on you.
I hurt a lot of people.
Look, I know it's hard, but you have to let it go.
You only have one thing to be guilty about not calling us.
Jill, everything good that happened to me this year is because we found each other again.
We don't have to do life alone anymore, I mean, even if we're not a group.
I have to ask.
Do you need help? I bought the drugs, but I didn't do any.
I threw them out the window.
Valeria is married.
- To what? - A man.
This sounds wrong.
Married him on their first date, and now she's thinking about divorcing him because she doesn't want to tell him about her family.
- That sounds right.
- If I'm the one who leaves, then it's not another person - Who's walking out on you.
- Mm.
Look, I'm someone who was willing to destroy herself to keep secrets.
But the consequences in the end are always worse than facing the fear in the moment.
Look, it is so incredibly stupid to marry someone on your first date like, dumb.
But don't let your past be the reason to give up on something good.
I miss Bree.
Me too.
So much.
She always held us up even though she was going through so much.
It's on us now.
We are super messy.
But we have each other.
Guess who's not going to jail.
Jill! Jill isn't going to jail! [SQUEALS.]
The charges were dropped.
How? Well, I called the D.
A.
's office and eloquently explained that they don't have a case.
There is absolutely no way to prove that the cocaine was from Jill's car, nor is there any way for them to prove where it originated from.
And if they want to go down the legal road of pursuing a simple possession case, it will cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars to prove a misdemeanor against a Catholic celebrity who just heroically survived an attempted murder by her ex-husband.
- Wow! - Wow! - Oh, my gosh.
- You better work, Muffin! And when they hung up on me, I called the mayor.
I performed at his daughter's sweet 16.
Classic good news, bad news made some calls Zadie's name is still trash around town.
No one's interested.
Good news? The world is back in on Muffin.
[CHUCKLES.]
You're serious? Yeah, rounded it down to the best offers Interscope and Def Jam.
And they're cool with the new, conscious Muffin? I mean, they feelin' it.
Of course they gonna say that now.
But what happens if her first album doesn't sell? A bunch of dudes in polos drop her.
That's the damn problem I have with this business no one is in it for the long haul.
No one is invested in building real artists and supporting talent.
No one's looking out for women in hip-hop.
I mean, where's that label? I mean, can you imagine if we came back to the game attached to a major? We'd still be the Nasty Bitches.
Yo.
There's not a label that's for artists, run by women, supporting other women that isn't out just for the money.
There should be.
The hell is Nasty Girl Records? Our new venture.
And we want to sign you as our first artist.
So you think you can just snap your fingers - and create a record label? - JILL: That's pretty much how every record label in history was started.
Yeah, and we not just a label.
We can be a full-service outfit.
I mean, we have our own space, our own studio Management and publishing.
VALERIA: And we're gonna do it differently.
We want to give the artists the power.
We want to help other queens do what we did for ourselves - find their voices, get back on top.
- Mm-hmm.
Our artists are our partners, financially and creatively.
We about to punch the music business in they face.
ZADIE: Dope pitch.
But how are you gonna make money with just me? LIL MUFFIN: I'm in it, too.
I can defend the public with my bars.
Oh, damn.
Bar exam? - Doze barz.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Hey.
- And me.
- Me too.
Yes.
We're all gonna release our solo music on Nasty Girl Records.
I mean, come on, Zadie.
Aren't you ready to take back what they stole from you? [RADIOHEAD'S "HIGH & DRY" PLAYS.]
- Yeah.
- Yes! [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE.]
You 'bout to go all the way up.
- Hey! - [LAUGHTER.]
- [CORK POPS.]
- Whoo! Aim that glass toward me.
Pour me some.
- Cheers! - [GLASSES CLINK.]
To a fresh start.
[SIGHS.]
Two jumps in a week I bet you think that's pretty clever, don't you, boy? To Nasty Girl Records Flying on your motorcycle Watching all the ground beneath you drop You'd kill yourself for recognition Kill yourself to never, ever stop To being honest with ourselves and the people we love.
something you are not VALERIA: This is my mother.
- - I I didn't know her.
She abandoned me when I was an infant.
By the time I found out who she was, she was here.
I lie sometimes.
Sometimes I'm a liar.
I don't have any family.
You do.
Y'all are inspiring to watch.
You don't stay down.
Ever.
You know there's one more person we gotta call.
Mm.
All your insides fall to pieces [RINGING.]
Poom nani, poom nani, poom nani, poom nani Poom, poom, nani, nani, my nani dripped in gold Zoom, zoom in Ferraris, fly me around the globe, huh Nasty by nature, treacherous in them hills It's P.
Sex, I make 'em pay a couple of bills It's a stick-up, stick up On the pole, watch this bad gal Lift up, lift up, and drop, drop it like it's hot Give it to you good, make you rise to the top, huh Sassy, intelligent, knock 'em out the box - Can we go to the beach? - I want to go to the park.
- Let's do both.
- Yes! [CHUCKLES.]
So pretty, baby body full of curves If he can't handle the speed, I kick him to the curb Now you know you wanna be with a nasty girl Know you wanna spend time in my nasty world Gimme what I need, and I'll be your nasty girl Your nasty girl, your nasty girl Gimme what I need, and I'll be your nasty girl